The Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) has announced the lineup for its 2024 gathering, along with the names of this year’s celebrity ambassadors.
Organizers said Monday, the festival will take place in Los Angeles, from Feb. 6-19.
The celebrity ambassadors include actor and comedian Cedric the Entertainer (The Neighborhood); actress Novi Brown (Tyler Perry’s Sistas); Amin Joseph (Snowfall); former NBA player John Salley (L.A.’s Finest); rapper and actor Jahking Guillory (The Chi); and actor Johnell Young (Wu-Tang: An American Saga).
The festival showcases projects from Black creatives that reinforce positive images and help to destroy negative stereotypes about African Americans and Africans.
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Established in 1992 by Danny Glover (The Color Purple, Lethal Weapon), the late Ja’Net DuBois (Good Times), and executive director Ayuko Babu, PAFF is one of L.A.’s largest Black History Month events.
This year, over 200 films from 54 countries will screen. Of the films selected, 49 percent were directed by women, queer or non-binary filmmakers.
Organizers are also holding the second season of their John Singleton Short Film Competition for screenwriters. A total of three filmmakers will be awarded $20,000 each for the production and completion of a live-action narrative short film of their winning screenplays. Submissions opened Jan. 6 and close on Feb. 19.
“We’re committed to fostering inclusivity and amplifying Black voices in film,” said Sherri G. Sneed, the competition’s executive producer. “Our program aims to empower emerging Black Filmmakers, providing not just a grant but resources, support and a platform to share powerful narratives.”
PAFF is returning to the Cinemark Baldwin Hills and XD and the adjacent Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. In addition to the films, there will be a fine arts show featuring over 100 artists and craftspeople.
The festival is sponsored in part by the City of Los Angeles and the LA County Department of Arts and Culture.
Additional information about the Pan African Film & Arts Festival can be found at paff.org
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